Diagnosis system for a motor vehicle

Abstract

An electronic control system for controlling an automotive engine is mounted on a motor vehicle. A memory in a computer stores a plurality of data formats. One of the data formats is selected, and a data demand signal dependent on a selected data format is fed to the electronic control system. In response to data sent from the electronic control system, a diagnosis is performed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A diagnosing system for diagnosing an automotive engine which is mounted on a motor vehicle and controlled by an electronic control system, the system having diagnosis means including a diagnosis device and a cartridge detachably connected to said diagnosis device, connecting means for transmitting signals between the electronic control system and the diagnosis device, a keyboard provided in said diagnosis device for inputting keyboard signals, and said diagnosis means being responsive to said keyboard signal for monitoring an operating condition of the engine, the diagnosing system comprising: a first storing means provided in said cartridge for storing programs to diagnose the engine;   a second storing means in said cartridge for storing programs for providing a plurality of data formats representing a plurality of transmitting patterns for transmitting data between the electronic control system and the diagnosis device and for selecting one of the data formats;   select means responsive to respective of said keyboard signals for selecting a program corresponding to an input format; and   demand means responsive to said keyboard signals for transmitting a data demand signal to the electronic control system so as to apply data from the electronic control system to the diagnosis device through the selected data format.   
     
     
       2. The diagnosing system according to claim 1, wherein said diagnosis device comprises a computer having a central processing unit and a memory, the latter including said second storing means.   
     
     
       3. The system according to claim 1 wherein the diagnosis device has indicators. 
     
     
       4. The diagnosing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said diagnosis device includes said select means and a calculator operatively connected to said select means.   
     
     
       5. The diagnosing system as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of said data formats is a non-procedure protocol system.